Certificates and diplomas can't really hurt - but what an art director is going to look at is your images - and they don't really care to see the same images that your teacher offered them before she decided to teach instead of do. A "Fun-Time" job with a company comes with a whole lot of restrictions - all of a sudden, you're shooting photos that the company wants and your own vision gets lost - yes, you're into the photographic field you wanted - but all of a sudden you cannot shoot what you want to shoot - you've become a puppet to those who have no creative vision (that's why they're in the position they're in - can't do, so they tell others how to do....but they can't really "do' so they don't know what's to be done - if you get my meaning.) Yes, by all means, get involved with a shooter who is in the field you want to get into - but, more than that, build up a portfolio of your own images - with your own style - and submit them regularly to publications that encompass your particular field of interest. The majority of them will be returned, but you will hit one here and again. Eventually you will build a name in your field and have a bit of clout - working with someone else or not. Best thing to do is keep shooting - do it for yourself, not for the career - that's what will get you there. Wolf